The Old Bell Hotel

This historic hotel, reputed to be the oldest purpose-built hotel in England dating back to 1220, offers a unique blend of ancient charm and modern, quirky decor. Its signature feature is its rich history and prime location directly beside the magnificent Malmesbury Abbey, making it an ideal retreat for sightseers and those seeking a tranquil escape. The hotel is particularly welcoming to couples celebrating special occasions, offering romantic touches, and is exceptionally dog-friendly, providing dedicated amenities and allowing pets in many public areas. Families also find it a comfortable base for exploring the charming town and surrounding Cotswolds. Guests consistently praise the hotel's warm atmosphere and the attentive service from its staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the bar area if sensitive to noise, and be sure to explore the various inviting lounge spaces for relaxation.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a variety of inviting public areas and lounges that guests find relaxing and full of character, often featuring log fires and eclectic furnishings perfect for unwinding or socializing. Many guests appreciate the convenience of the on-site Tyger Bar and other bar areas, offering a selection of drinks and a vibrant atmosphere. While there is no dedicated fitness center or pool, the numerous comfortable spaces provide ample opportunity for relaxation. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring guests can stay connected. Some guests noted the absence of a lift in the main historic building, which can be a consideration for those with mobility issues, though staff are generally helpful with luggage. The hotel also features a dedicated function room, the Garden Room, which is popular for events and parties.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is generally positive, with many describing rooms as clean, comfortable, and tastefully decorated with unique, quirky touches. Most guests found the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some mentioned issues with creaky beds or firm mattresses. While some rooms offer spacious bathrooms with features like claw-foot baths, others noted tiny bathrooms or a lack of shelving for toiletries. Noise levels received mixed reviews; some rooms were quiet, while others experienced noise from neighboring rooms or the bar area, particularly those located directly above it. Temperature control was a recurring concern for some, with reports of rooms being too hot or too cold and issues with heating or the lack of air conditioning, despite fans being provided.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel receives widespread praise for its dining experience, with many guests highlighting the excellent breakfast as a standout feature, offering a wide choice of quality ingredients, including a highly-rated full English option. The Abbey Row restaurant and Tyger Bar are frequently commended for their delicious food, often described as imaginative, beautifully presented, and using locally sourced ingredients. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the food quality, some guests had mixed experiences with portion sizes, finding them small, or noted occasional inconsistencies with specific dishes, such as blandness or overcooking. The cream tea and afternoon tea offerings are also highly recommended for their quality and presentation. Service in the dining areas is generally described as attentive and friendly, though some noted occasional slowness or a need for more training for younger staff.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant draw, placing guests directly next to the historic Malmesbury Abbey and within easy walking distance of the charming town's shops and attractions. Guests appreciate being able to explore the River Walk and other local sights conveniently. The hotel is also well-situated for those looking to visit nearby Cotswolds towns and villages. Parking is available on-site and is generally considered a bonus, though many guests noted that the main car park can be tightly packed and challenging to navigate, especially for larger vehicles, with some reporting issues with reserved spaces not being available. Despite these minor parking challenges, the accessibility and picturesque surroundings contribute greatly to a positive guest experience.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, with many guests highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile. From a warm welcome on arrival, often including a complimentary glass of Prosecco, to assisting with luggage and providing local recommendations, the team is praised for making guests feel valued and well-cared for. The check-in process is generally smooth and efficient. Guests particularly appreciate the dog-friendly service, noting how staff interact positively with pets and provide thoughtful amenities. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of perceived indifference or rudeness from some individuals, but these appear to be exceptions to the otherwise excellent service.

Additional Information
The hotel's unique historic character and quirky interior design are frequently highlighted, with guests appreciating the blend of ancient architecture and eclectic furnishings, including vibrant wallpapers and unique art pieces. A notable and highly praised aspect is the hotel's comprehensive pet-friendly policy, which extends to providing dog beds, bowls, and allowing pets in many public lounge areas, making it an ideal choice for animal owners. Some guests mentioned the availability of wellies for walks, a thoughtful touch for exploring the local countryside. While generally positive, a few guests noted that the hotel can host private events or parties, which might occasionally lead to increased noise levels in certain areas. The hotel also offers various dining options beyond the main restaurant, including informal lounge dining.